ENERGY EFFICIENT SKYLIGHTS, WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR DOORS SAVE MONEY MANY WAYS New Law Rewards Homeowners For Saving Energy

Homeowners can save hundreds of dollars in taxes, and more in lower power bills, for 2006 or 2007 by taking steps to reduce the amount of energy they use at home. The Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 provides tax credits, which are dollar-for-dollar reductions in federal income taxes, for installing upgrades including qualifying energy efficient appliances, exterior doors, windows and skylights.

According to David Westbrook, a Charlotte, NC Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, the regulations are quite specific but researching and purchasing qualifying products can be worth the effort for the tax breaks, not to mention ongoing energy bill savings.

“Residential tax credits, which are dollar-for-dollar reductions in your federal income tax, can be realized for heat pumps, central air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces or boilers and even insulation improvement such as sealing ducts,” Westbrook says. “Appliances including washers and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators also qualify as do exterior doors, windows and skylights.” He advises homeowners to do their homework prior to making purchases or improvement to be sure that specific government guidelines are met and the expenditures qualify. “A good starting point,” Westbrook says, “ is www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm.”

Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, agrees that qualifying energy-efficient skylights, either replacements or new installations, can help to bring more balanced natural light and ventilation into homes, further reducing power bills.

“And there is a model and price range for every home,” Patrick says. “Available models include electric or manual venting; fixed with or without a ventilation flap; and fixed for replacing faded plastic bubble skylights with clear, energy-efficient glass. There are also models specially designed to meet code for safe use in hurricane-prone areas as well as models with electrochromic glass that can be lightened or darkened by remote control and that don’t restrict the view to the sky,” he says.

In addition to skylights, roof windows are available for in-reach applications requiring egress, such as in finished attics, andVELUX SUN TUNNEL™ skylights can be used when a view to the outside is not needed as with closets, laundry rooms, pantries, hallways and second baths.

For information on skylight selection and the benefits of natural light call 1-800-283-2831 or visit www.veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.

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VELUX America Feature Series No. 14/06 – Energy Tax Break – Apx. 400 Words – 2nd Qt. - 2006

Media Contact:
Keith Hobbs - Business Services Associates, Inc. - 9413 Greenfield Drive -
Raleigh, NC 27615-2306 - Phone – 919.844.0064 - E-mail – khobbs@nc.rr.com

For quick access to natural light feature material and background information, news releases, press kits and high-resolution images visit www.veluxusa.com and go to the News Media Home section under “Professionals.”